Indian leader invites global vaccine makers

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to global vaccine manufacturers to “come, come to India and make vaccines”. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 25, Modi outlined India’s responses to the coronavirus pandemic and the scientific development of vaccines, including a “DNA vaccine, an MRNA vaccine and a nasal vaccine”.

Confirming his government’s decision to restart export of COVID vaccines through the international COVAX alliance, Modi said India has “resumed the process of providing vaccines to those who need it most in the world”.

Island nations seek urgent climate-related help

Island nations are very concerned about climate change, with the leaders of many of those countries using the UN platform to voice their worries and issue calls for action.

“Will Tuvalu remain a member state of the UN if it is finally submerged? Who will help us?” asked Kausea Natano, the prime minister of the Pacific Ocean country, on Sept 25.

Gaston Browne, prime minister of the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, said, “Industrialized countries have an obligation to assist the states most affected by climate change because they created a problem in the first instance.”

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves cast the major powers’ actions thus far as little more than “pious mouthings and marginal tinkering”.

“On this, humanity is at the midnight hour. Can we meet the challenge? We may not live to find out the answer if the usual continues,” the Caribbean nation’s premier said.